Pigeon clubs in bird flu crisis

The Government restrictions come as more than 4,000 registered pigeon fanciers across the West Midlands begin to prepare for the start of the season in April.

Some pigeon racing events have already been cancelled because of the scare.

The Royal Association for Pigeon Racing says it understands why pigeon racing and shows have been barred after the outbreak at a Suffolk farm at the weekend. But it today warned that local clubs could be hit as a result.

Under precautions aimed at halting the spread of the deadly disease, the Government department Defra has slapped a ban on all bird gatherings, including shows, markets and fairs as well as pigeon races, until further notice.

Peter Bryant, chairman of The Royal Pigeon Racing Association said: "Racing pigeons actually carry a very low risk of getting it. We are now just really hoping things calm down a little bit.

"Last year the restrictions imposed on long-distance racing meant we lost £30,000. Our clubs in all the regions have suffered as well, some organisations were really on the brink. We have in the region of 200 to 300 clubs in the West Midlands and they will all have been affected individually."

Kidderminster and District Flying Club has had to cancel three of its pigeon racing events in April as a result of the ban.

Club secretary Maureen Gwilliam, of Wolverley, said: "It's not fair because we don't feel Defra really understands pigeon racing. There is a very low risk because pigeons do not touch the ground during flight."

Donald Bracebridge, from Borough Crescent in Stourbridge, has more than 40 pigeons but says he still hasn't had any official notification of the ban.

By Helen Cartwright